Bicycle giveaway back in business

An Escondido tradition continues Saturday when 100 good kids
from the elementary school district get a holiday surprise -- new
bicycles -- courtesy of the Escondido Auto Dealers'
Association.

This is the 23rd year for the bike giveaway, begun by the late
Bill Brecht to reward deserving students from less-fortunate
families. The 11 dealers use proceeds from their annual golf
tournament to buy the identical bikes, red this year, locks and
helmets.

"It's fun. (The kids) are so appreciative of getting the bikes,"
said Tom Brecht, owner of Brecht BMW, who has inherited his
father's role as event chairman. "They actually earned it, rather
than just received it."

The bikes were bought and assembled at Alpha Bike Shop in Vista,
and will be adjusted to each recipient as he or she arrives at 10
a.m. at Del Dios Middle School to pick up their bikes.

Rolling in: Wheels and gifts go together again Saturday when the
Moto Guzzi motorcycle club stops by St. Clare's Home headquarters
to drop off presents for the center's residents and their children.
The bikers come yearly to visit with the agency's clients, abused
or previously homeless women. They often offer an extra treat, a
chance for the youngsters to take a ride down the long driveway in
tandem on one of the Italian motorcycles. "The kids love it," said
Mary Ferro, volunteer coordinator.

Sahm story: Add author to the list of Edna Sahm's achievements.
The Escondido philanthropist's life story, "90 and Loving it," is
out in paperback. The city's grand dame will autograph copies of
her book from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Concert Hall lobby that
bears her name at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
She's pre-signing some books because, "I might get writer's cramp,"
she joked. The sprightly nonagenarian wrote the book with
assistance from Matthew Aaron.

Around town: The joint will be hopping this afternoon at Cypress
Court Senior Living. The Escondido retirement residence is hosting
a fundraising USO dance from 1 to 3 p.m., with proceeds going to
the San Diego USO. Guests are encouraged to wear their 1940s finery
for the center's first fundraising dance, which Paul Markovich,
sales and marketing director, says should jog a few recollections
for residents. Admission is $10. … While Palomar Pomerado Health is
already moving a lot of ground at the site of its "hospital of the
future," the ceremonial groundbreaking isn't taking place until
11:30 a.m. today. The agency is trotting out gold-painted shovels
to allow Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler, CEO Michael Covert, PPH board
members and other dignitaries to add a few small holes alongside
the huge excavations at the construction site next to Stone Brewing
Co.